U.S. patent application number 15/096385 was filed with the patent office on 2016-10-13 for anti-free flow mechanism.
The applicant listed for this patent is Q-CORE MEDICAL LTD.. Invention is credited to Shachar Rotem.
Application Number | 20160296696 15/096385 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39402089 |
Filed Date | 2016-10-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160296696 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rotem; Shachar |
October 13, 2016 |
ANTI-FREE FLOW MECHANISM
Abstract
The present invention discloses an anti-free flow mechanism for
a finger-type peristaltic infusion pump (DDS) and methods for
avoiding anti-free-flow. The mechanism comprises: a passive
mechanical interface (MS) which integrally accommodates a portion
of the flexible infusion tube, and an anti-free flow valve (AFFV)
which is a spring-activated latch, which is incorporated within
said MS. The maneuverable latch is secured in the MS either in
CLOSED or OPEN configurations: in its CLOSED configuration no flow
is provided, and in its OPEN configuration, a free flow is
facilitated. Said anti-free flow mechanism is configured in a
manner such that when the MS is not properly mounted in the DDS,
said AFFV is automatically actuated via one or more integrated
springs, to its CLOSED configuration. When the MS is properly
mounted in the DDS, said latch is adapted to be automatically
switched to the OPEN configuration.
Inventors: |
Rotem; Shachar; (M.P. Hefer,
IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Q-CORE MEDICAL LTD. |
Netanya |
|
IL |
|
|
Family ID: |
39402089 |
Appl. No.: |
15/096385 |
Filed: |
April 12, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12514311 |
May 10, 2009 |
9333290 |
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PCT/IL2007/001405 |
Nov 13, 2007 |
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15096385 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 2205/276 20130101;
A61M 2205/14 20130101; A61M 5/16813 20130101; A61M 5/1424 20130101;
A61M 5/14228 20130101; A61M 39/284 20130101; A61M 39/28 20130101;
A61M 5/142 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61M 5/168 20060101
A61M005/168; A61M 39/28 20060101 A61M039/28; A61M 5/142 20060101
A61M005/142 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 13, 2006 |
IL |
179234 |
Claims
1. An anti-free flow mechanism for a finger-type peristaltic
infusion pump (DDS); said mechanism comprising (i) a passive
mechanical interface (MS) which integrally accommodates a portion
of the flexible infusion-tube, and (ii) an anti-free flow valve
(AFFV) which is a spring-activated latch, said latch is
incorporated within said MS; wherein said maneuverable latch is
secured in said MS either in CLOSE or OPEN configurations: in its
CLOSE configuration no flow is provided, and vice versa, in its
OPEN configuration, a free flow is facilitated; said anti-free flow
mechanism is configures in a minter that when said MS is not
properly mounted in said DDS, said AFFV is automatically actuated
via a plurality, especially a set of one or more integrated
springs, to its CLOSE configuration; and vice versa, it is
configures in a manner that when said MS is properly mounted in
said DDS, said latch is adapted to be automatically switched to
said OPEN configuration.
2. An anti-free flow mechanism according to claim 1, wherein said
AFFV is adapted to be manually switched to a TEMPORALLY-OPEN
configuration whereat the MS is not mounted in said DDS; said
configuration-switch is provided possible by applying a continuous
press on said AFFV, and vice versa, immediately after stop pressing
said AFFV is switched to its CLOSE configuration.
3. An anti-free flow mechanism as defined in claim 1 or in any of
its dependent claims wherein said AFFV is adapted to be manually
switched to its TEMPORALLY-OPEN configuration whereat the MS is not
mounted in said DDS; said AFFV is further adapted to be switched on
to an self maintained SECURED-OPEN configuration; and wherein this
SECURED-OPEN configuration is possibly re-switched to the
TEMPORALLY-OPEN configuration by applying an inverted tilting
press.
4. An anti-free flow mechanism as defined in claim 1 or in any of
its dependent claims wherein said AFFV is adapted to be
automatically switched to its CLOSE configuration whereat MS is
switched-out of the DDS, regardless to the initial
SECURED-OPEN/TEMPORALLY-OPEN/CLOSE configuration of said AFFV,
namely when the MS was mounted in said DDS).
5. An anti-free flow mechanism as defined in claim 1 or in any of
its dependent claims especially adapted to be manually switched to
its various OPEN/CLOSE configuration by one hand, while the MS is
not mounted in said DDS.
6. A method for avoiding anti-free flow in a finger-type
peristaltic infusion pump; said method comprising steps of (a)
obtaining an anti-free flow mechanism for a finger-type peristaltic
infusion pump; said mechanism comprising (i a passive mechanical
interface (MS) which integrally accommodates a portion of the
flexible infusion-tube, and (ii) an anti-free flow valve (AFFV)
which is a spring-activated latch, said latch is incorporated
within said MS; wherein said maneuverable latch is secured in said
MS either in CLOSE or OPEN configurations: in its CLOSE
configuration no flow is provided, and vice versa, in its OPEN
configuration, a free flow is facilitated; said anti-free flow
mechanism is configures in a manner that when said MS is not
properly mounted in said DDS, said AFFV is automatically actuated
via a plurality, especially a set of one or more integrated
springs, to its CLOSE configuration; and vice versa, it is
configures in a manner that when said MS is properly mounted in
said pump, said latch is adapted to be automatically switched to
said OPEN configuration; and (b), one or more of the following
steps: (i) manually switching said AFFV to a TEMPORALLY-OPEN
configuration whereat the MS is not mounted in said DDS; said
switch is provided possible by applying a continuous press on said
AFFV, and vice versa, immediately after stop pressing said AFFV is
switched to its CLOSE configuration; (ii) automatically switching
said AFFV to its CLOSE configuration whereat MS is switched-out of
the pump, regardless to the initial
SECURED-OPEN/TEMPORALLY-OPEN/CLOSE configuration of said AFFV,
namely when the MS was mounted in said DDS); and, (iii) manually
switching said AFFV to its various OPEN/CLOSE configurations by one
hand, while the MS is not mounted in said pump.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to an anti-free flow
mechanism for a finger-type peristaltic infusion pump.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] An infusion pump infuses fluids, medication or nutrients
into a patient's circulatory system. It is generally used
intravenously, although subcutaneous, arterial and epidural
infusions are occasionally used.
[0003] Infusion pumps can administer fluids in ways that would be
impractically expensive or unreliable if performed manually by
nursing staff. For example, they can administer as little as 0.1 mL
per hour injections, injections every minute, injections with
repeated boluses requested by the patient, up to maximum number per
hour, or fluids whose volumes vary by the time of day. Because they
can also produce quite high but controlled pressures, they can
inject controlled amounts of fluids e.g., subcutaneously or
epidurally.
[0004] Among other safety features available on some pumps,
anti-free flow mechanisms and anti-free-flow devices prevent blood
from draining from the patient, or infusate from freely entering
the patient, when the infusion pump is being set up.
[0005] Various approaches were taken in the literature to ensure
anti-free-flow in those pumps. Hence for example, U.S. Pat. No.
6,261,262 discloses a peristaltic pump with housing, a pump head in
the housing, and a receiving path defined along housing and pump
head for receiving tubing. Nevertheless, an effective anti-free
flow provided in a passive mechanical interface (MS) which
integrally accommodates a portion of the flexible infusion-tube
wherein a flow of infusion fluid is provided is still a long felt
need.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] It is thus the object of the present invention to provide an
anti-free flow mechanism for a finger-type peristaltic infusion
pump (DDS); the mechanism comprising (i) a passive mechanical
interface (MS) which integrally accommodates a portion of the
flexible infusion-tube, and (ii) an anti-free flow valve (AFFV)
which is a spring-activated latch incorporated within the MS. The
maneuverable latch is secured in the MS either in a CLOSED or OPEN
configuration. In its CLOSED configuration no flow is provided, and
vice versa, in its OPEN configuration, a free flow is facilitated.
The anti-free flow mechanism is configured in a manner such that
when the MS is not properly mounted in said DDS, the AFFV is
automatically actuated via a plurality of springs, and especially a
set of one or more integrated springs, to its CLOSED configuration,
and vice versa: It is configured in a manner such that when the MS
is properly mounted in said DDS, the latch is adapted to be
automatically switched to the OPEN configuration. The terms `AFFV`
and `spring-activated latch` are used hereinafter
interchangeably.
[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
anti-free flow mechanism as defined above, wherein the AFFV is
adapted to be manually switched to a secured-OPEN configuration
when the MS is not mounted in said DDS. The configuration-switch is
possibly provided by applying a continuous pressure on the AFFV,
and vice versa: Immediately after stopping to press, the AFFV is
switched to its CLOSED configuration. Another object of the present
invention is to provide an anti-free flow mechanism as defined
above, wherein the AFFV is adapted to be manually switched to its
OPEN configuration when the MS is not mounted in the DDS. The
switching is provided possibly by applying a single tilting press
on the AFFV. The OPEN configuration is possibly followed by either
(i) switching said AFFV to its CLOSED configuration or (ii)
switching the AFFV to its secured-OPEN configuration.
[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
anti-free flow mechanism as defined above, wherein the AFFV is
adapted to be automatically switched to its CLOSED configuration
when the MS is switched-out of the DDS, regardless of the initial
OPEN/CLOSED configuration of the AFFV (when the MS was mounted in
said DDS).
[0009] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
an anti-free flow mechanism as defined above, wherein the AFFV is
especially adapted to be manually switched to its various
OPEN/CLOSED configurations by one hand.
[0010] A last object of the present invention is to provide a
method for providing an anti-free flow mechanism in a finger-type
peristaltic infusion pump (DDS). The method comprises steps as
follows:
[0011] (a) obtaining an anti-free flow mechanism for a finger-type
peristaltic infusion pump (DDS); said mechanism comprising (i) a
passive mechanical interface (MS) which integrally accommodates a
portion of the flexible infusion-tube, and (ii) an anti-free flow
valve (AFFV) which is a spring-activated latch incorporated within
said MS. Said maneuverable latch is secured in said MS either in
CLOSED or OPEN configurations. In its CLOSED configuration no flow
is provided, and vice versa: In its OPEN configuration, a free flow
is facilitated. Said anti-free flow mechanism is configured in a
manner such that when the MS is not properly mounted in the DDS,
the AFFV is automatically actuated via a plurality of springs, and
especially a set of one or more integrated springs, to its CLOSED
configuration; and vice versa: It is configured in a manner such
that when said MS is properly mounted in said DDS, said latch is
adapted to be automatically switched to said OPEN configuration;
and
[0012] (b) one or more of the following steps:
[0013] (i) manually switching the AFFV to a TEMPORARILY-OPEN
configuration when the MS is not mounted in the DDS. The switching
is provided possibly by applying a continuous pressure on said
AFFV, and vice versa: Immediately after stopping to press, the AFFV
is switched to its CLOSED configuration;
[0014] (ii) automatically switching said AFFV to its CLOSED
configuration when the MS is switched-out of the DDS, regardless of
the initial SECURED-OPEN/TEMPORARILY-OPEN/CLOSED configuration of
said AFFV, when the MS was mounted in said DDS); and,
[0015] (iii) manually switching the AFFV to its various OPEN/CLOSED
configurations by one hand, while the MS is not mounted in the
DDS.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0016] In order to understand the invention and to see how it may
be implemented in practice, a plurality of preferred embodiments
will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with
reference to the accompanying drawing, in which
[0017] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a cross-section of a DDS-MS
with anti-free flow mechanism according to one embodiment of the
present invention;
[0018] FIGS. 2a-2c schematically illustrate detailed cross-sections
of an MS with AFFV in various OPEN/CLOSED configurations according
to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates cross-sections of an
anti-free flow mechanism in a CLOSED configuration;
[0020] FIGS. 4a-4c schematically illustrate cross-sections of an
anti-free flow mechanism in various OPEN/CLOSED configurations with
a view of both AFFV and springs, according to one embodiment of the
present invention; and,
[0021] FIGS. 5a-5c schematically illustrate simplified
cross-sections of an anti-free flow mechanism in its various
OPEN/CLOSED configurations.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] The following description is provided so as to enable any
person skilled in the art to make use of said invention and sets
forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out
this invention. Various modifications, however, will remain
apparent to those skilled in the art, since the generic principles
of the present invention have been defined specifically to provide
an anti-free flow mechanism for a finger-type peristaltic infusion
pump.
[0023] The term `plurality` refers hereinafter to any integer
number equal to or higher than 1, e.g., 2, 4 etc.
[0024] An anti-free flow mechanism is incorporated within a passive
mechanical interface. The interface is adapted for mounting of a
flexible infusion tube in a finger-type peristaltic infusion pump
in a reversible yet secured manner.
[0025] The present invention discloses a passive mechanical
interface, denoted hereinafter by the term `MS`, being a mechanical
interface of the set of tubing to the DDS, that has no moving parts
or static members being an integral part of the aforesaid pumping
mechanism or sensors thereof, e.g., pistons, hinges, cams, wheels,
sealing membranes, gaskets, etc. The MS is interlaced with an
integrated anti-free flow mechanism, useful for mounting a flexible
infusion tube to a finger-type peristaltic infusion pump, so as to
provide a uni-directional or bi-directional flow, provided by the
pump solely in a predetermined direction of an infusion.
[0026] The MS reversibly yet securely mounts the tube in a
predetermined 3D orientation so it is facing the pumping mechanism
and various sensors of the infusion pump. The MS hence comprises a
mechanical conductor for the set of tubing that acts as an
interface of said tubing to a pump and an anti-free flow valve
(AFFV).
[0027] Reference is now made to FIG. 1, schematically illustrating
a cross section of a DDS and anti-free flow mechanism according to
one embodiment of the present invention. A passive mechanical
interface (MS, 3) is mounted in a finger-type peristaltic infusion
pump (4) so that pressing fingers (6) and sensors (here, bubble
detector, 7) are perfectly oriented towards a flexible
infusion-tube (5) accommodated in said MS. The anti-free flow
mechanism comprises an anti-free flow latch (1), valve or shutoff
located in the MS (3), facing an AFFV-activating member (2) located
in the DDS. The AFFV is now in its CLOSED configuration and infused
fluid is not flowing via tube (5). By mounting MS in the DDS (See
Open-Close arrow), AFFV is pressed against the AFFV-activating
member (2) and AFFV is automatically switched on to its OPEN
configuration, and flow of the infused fluid is allowed via tube
(5).
[0028] Reference is now made to FIGS. 2a-2c, schematically
illustrating an AFFV mechanism in three different OPEN/CLOSED
configurations. Those schemes present both valves and springs
oriented in various configurations.
[0029] Reference is now made to FIG. 3, schematically illustrating
the anti-free flow mechanism according to one embodiment of the
present invention, being temporarily in its CLOSED configuration.
MS (3) is accommodating flexible infusion tube (5).
[0030] Reference is now made to FIGS. 4a-4c, schematically
presenting a various OPEN/CLOSED configurations of the anti-free
flow mechanism. FIG. 4a illustrates the MS wherein AFFV is in its
OPEN and secured configuration. The MS (3) here accommodates an
infusion tube (5), wherein the AFFV (1) is in connection to a
plurality (e.g., 1-4) of retrieving springs (13). FIG. 4b
illustrates the MS wherein the AFFV is in its OPEN configuration.
FIG. 4c illustrates the MS wherein the AFFV is in its CLOSED
configuration.
[0031] Reference is now made to FIGS. 5a-c, schematically
presenting various OPEN/CLOSED configurations of the anti-free flow
mechanism without showing the spring members. FIG. 5a presents the
MS wherein the AFFV is in its OPEN and secured configuration. FIG.
5b illustrates the MS wherein the AFFV is in its OPEN
configuration. FIG. 5c illustrates the MS wherein AFFV is in its
CLOSED configuration.
* * * * *